Cornish Devolution

Cornwall is not merely a region. It is one of Britain’s oldest nations, with a distinct language, culture, and constitutional history. The recent Devolution for Cornwall report sets out a compelling case for a Cornish Assembly; a devolved body which would grant the people of Cornwall more power to make decisions in Cornwall, for Cornwall.

This is not about isolationism. It’s not about cutting Cornwall off. It’s about Cornwall cutting itself in to the celebration of diversity, about respect, recognition, and responsibility. The Cornish have already been recognised as a national minority under international law, yet we lack the institutions to protect our heritage, language, and identity. We have the lowest GVA per capita in the UK, just one District General Hospital for over half a million people, and little to no control over key services like planning, housing, policing and transport.

The Government’s English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill proposes a new category of “Strategic Authority,” which could result in Cornwall becoming merged with Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay under a Mayoral Combined Authority. This would dilute Cornwall’s voice and identity by imposing a governance model which would again be rejected by the Cornish public.

Cornwall Council has united across party lines to oppose this merger and has firmly called for a Cornwall-only devolution deal, based on our unique geography, culture, and needs. Cornwall would not benefit from having a mayor, nor from being absorbed into a cross-border authority where Cornwall would be required to go elsewhere to plead for permission to decide how to run its affairs. We need a settlement which reflects our status as a historic territory on par with Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

In real terms, a devolved Cornish territorial authority would:

• Improve our public services and infrastructure,
• Protect our environment and heritage,
• Regulate housing to prioritise local needs and control second homes,
• Boost our economy and retain local wealth,
• And give Cornwall a voice in Britain and beyond.

Of course, this proposed Cornish territorial authority would not simply be an expansion of powers for Cornwall Council, but a distinct entity, with its own directly elected representatives.

It’s a moment of truth for Cornwall. We can either accept a future where we submit ourselves to the authority of others, or stand together, stand up for ourselves and give the people of Cornwall a greater say on how we run our own affairs.

My fellow Cornish MPs and I have and will continue to press this case in Westminster.